Animation-Workflow

What Kind of Workflow Do You Use?

You’ve probably heard it said that being an animator means being a lifelong student. That couldn’t be more true. My workflow is constantly changing. With every shot or task I complete, there’s almost always something I end up liking or disliking about the way I went about it. Or, sometimes the technical requirements of a shot will dictate what kind of workflow I’ll use. Also, observing the workflow other animators use allows me to pick up new things that I want to try with my next shot or task. The point is, finding a good workflow means trying things out until you find what works for you. I, personally, am still trying things out. However, I’ll write down the workflow that I tend to use most often.

Step 1 – Research:

– Talking through the shot with the director or supervisor

– Checking out the storyboards

– Checking out the surrounding shots for continuity

– Researching any available information about character personality

– Gathering model sheets or other character resources

Step 2 – Planning:

– Shooting video reference, trying various takes and editing the best together

– Gathering online video or photo reference

– Studying reference

– Sketching rough thumbnail drawings of major poses to find the best silhouette

Step 3 – Blocking (on the computer):

– Blocking major storytelling/acting/action/key poses, most often in

stepped curves mode, and most often keying the entire character

– Blocking in extremes and changes in direction

– Blocking in important facial expressions

– Blocking in important hand poses

– Pushing poses around in time to find the right rhythm for the shot

Step 4 – Breakdowns:

– Putting in breakdown poses between major key poses, often still in stepped

– Defining rough arcs, overlap and spacing

– Repeating for the face and hands

– At this point I’m usually trying to put every major idea into a pose